C-section & open-heart surgery saves mom & baby in North Carolina

How far can doctors and science go to saves lives? Very far apparently as the story of a mom and baby in North Carolina explains!

Danielle Gaither was 31 when she was wheeled into the emergency room with severe chest pains. Her pregnancy was a high-risk one and doctors had to diagnose the problem soon with the due date approaching.

In the operating room, doctors had to make swift decisions because Danielle only had minutes to live and her chances of survival were quickly diminishing. The problem was that her heart surgery required a technique that stops blood circulation. This wasn’t possible since it would jeopardize her unborn child.

The decision was made to perform both surgeries at the same time: a C-section to make sure the baby survived and the emergency open-heart surgery to help Danielle with her complications. Both operations were successful; it took 4 separate teams, over 6 hours and a team of 15 nurses and doctors to do it.

After the surgeries, Danielle was heavily sedated for two weeks. She met her baby son for the first time after the two-week period. Doctors say it was an emotional reunion because the baby instantly recognized his mom on instinct, which surprised and humbled many who were present to share that moment.

It’s been 3 months since the surgeries, and the hospital confirms Danielle is on the road to recovery. Her son, KV is a healthy baby, thriving at home with his family.